Debate Prep

Build your opening statement, arguments, rebuttals, and closing statement for the Supreme Court debate.

Step 1: Choose the case you are preparing to argue.

Debate Prep

Saved

Your 60-second theory lives on the case page Speak tab — not here. Say it there. This page is the written speech (opening, arguments, sources, rebuttals, closing).

Open Speak tab →

Theory and hot bench live on the Speak tab. This hidden section only keeps older saved drafts.

1. Who I represent

2. What happened (3 facts)

3. The constitutional question

4. The clause and what it says

5. The rule we need the Court to adopt

Start with “Under our test…”

6. Why their rule is dangerous

If you get stuck — sample theory for your side

A partner or teacher plays the justice. Answer out loud first. Then jot a sentence. Hostile questions are how you find holes in your own rule.

Your opening statement introduces you, your client, the case background, each side's constitutional claim, why this case matters, and a preview of your arguments.

Document Info

This information will appear in your final formatted document.

Your Name(s)

Class Period

Introduction

Introduce yourself, your partners, and your client to the Court.

Sentence starters:

Background

Explain what happened — the people involved, their positions, and the event that led this case to court. Use the facts from your case research.

Sentence starters:

Constitutional Claims

State what each side believes about the Constitution. What does the petitioner claim was violated? What does the respondent claim?

Sentence starters:

Significance

Why is this case important? Why is the Supreme Court hearing it?

Sentence starters:

Preview of Arguments

Give the justices a roadmap of your arguments. You'll develop these fully in the Arguments tab.

Sentence starters:

Self-Check: Does your opening statement...

Introduce you, your partners, and your client?

Explain what happened using specific facts from the case?

State what both sides (petitioner and respondent) believe?

Explain why this case is important?

Preview at least 3 arguments?

Select your 3 strongest arguments from the ones you sorted to your side. Check the box next to each one, then explain how it supports your case. You can select more if you have time.

Self-Check: Do your arguments...

Include at least 3 arguments?

Use specific facts and evidence from the case?

Explain how the Constitution supports your side?

End with “Under our test, this fact matters because…”?

Select the 3 strongest arguments the other side will use. Check the box next to each one, then write your counter-argument explaining why it's weak or incorrect. You can select more if you have time.

Self-Check: Do your rebuttals...

Anticipate what the other side will likely argue?

Explain why their argument is weak or incomplete?

Use evidence or reasoning to support your counter-argument?

Select at least 2 sources from the Evidence Vault that support your side. For each source you pick, write a brief note explaining how it helps your argument. Open your case's Evidence Vault

Source 1

Copy or describe the source from the Evidence Vault.

MLA Citation (copy from the Evidence Vault):

How does this source support your side?

Source 2

Copy or describe the source from the Evidence Vault.

MLA Citation (copy from the Evidence Vault):

How does this source support your side?

Self-Check: For your sources, did you...

Select at least 2 sources?

Include the MLA citation for each source?

Explain how each source supports your side?

Choose sources from different types (e.g., legal analysis and court opinion)?

Your closing statement summarizes your strongest arguments and makes a final appeal to the justices. This is your last chance to convince them.

Summary

Briefly restate your strongest arguments. Remind the justices why your side should win.

Sentence starters:

Constitutional Connection

Connect your argument back to the Constitution. Why does the Constitution support your side?

Sentence starters:

Final Appeal

Make your final appeal to the justices. Ask them to rule in your favor.

Sentence starters:

Self-Check: Does your closing statement...

Summarize your strongest arguments?

Connect your position to the Constitution?

End with a clear appeal to the justices?

Debate Prep

Debate Prep

Self-Check: Does your opening statement...

Your Formatted Opening Statement

Self-Check: Do your arguments...

Self-Check: Do your rebuttals...

Self-Check: For your sources, did you...

Self-Check: Does your closing statement...

Your Complete Closing Statement

Complete Debate Package

★ My Starred Evidence